Rocky Mountain Psychological Services
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Navigating Therapy: What to Say to Your Child

Taking the step to bring your child into therapy is a courageous and empowering choice. It’s a space where they can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences with the guidance of a professional and where next best steps for them or for your family can be identified. As parents, it can be tough to know what to say to your child about therapy. Here are some ideas: 

1. Normalize the Experience

Therapy can sometimes feel intimidating or unusual. Normalize it by comparing it to other forms of self-care or health maintenance. For example:

  • “Just like we go to the doctor when we’re not feeling well physically, therapy helps us when our feelings need some extra care.”

  • “Everyone needs help sometimes, and it’s great that we have someone who can listen and guide us.”

Share with your child your own experience of seeking support for self-care or health maintenance.

2. Express Your Support

It’s important for children to know that they’re not alone in this process and that you are there to support them every step of the way. Assure them by saying:

  • “I’m here for you, and I’ve got your back as we try to make things better and easier.”

  • “You’re not alone in this—we’re a team.”

3. Encourage Open Communication

Let your child know that they can talk to you about their therapy sessions if they feel comfortable. Encourage openness without pressuring them:

  • “You can always share with me what you talk about in therapy if you want to, but it’s also okay if you want to keep some things private.”

  • “How was your session today? I’m here to listen if you want to talk about it.”

4. Empower Their Autonomy

It’s important to respect your child’s autonomy and their own journey through therapy. Reinforce their sense of control by saying:

  • “Your psychologist is there to help you in whatever way you need. It’s your time to talk about what’s important to you.”

  • “You get to decide what you want to talk about and what you want to work on. “

The psychologist will talk with you and your child about the goals and how information will be shared – this transparency in the process helps the child to feel empowered as part of the process but also makes sure that parents and caregivers are also informed and come to agreement on what therapy will entail. 

5. Reassure Them About the Process

Therapy can sometimes bring up challenging emotions or thoughts. Reassure your child that this is a normal part of the process and that it’s okay to have mixed feelings:

  • “It’s normal to feel a little nervous or unsure about therapy, and that’s perfectly okay.”

  • “Sometimes it might feel tough, but that’s because you’re working through important things. You can talk to your psychologist and us about it if it is feeling tough.”

6. Emphasize the Positive Outcomes

Help your child focus on the benefits of therapy and the positive changes they may experience. Inspire hope by saying:

  • “Therapy can help you feel better and learn new ways to handle tough situations.”

  • “I’m excited to see how therapy helps you grow and find new strengths.”

Supporting your child as they step into therapy is a way to show your care and commitment to their well-being. Through your words and actions, you can help them feel safe, understood, and empowered on their journey to emotional health. Remember, your encouragement and understanding can make a world of difference.

If you are looking for therapy for your child, reach out to RMPS for Intake session. We’ll listen to you, and help you figure out the next the next best steps for your child and family to get you on the road to things feeling better and easier. 

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Rocky Mountain Psychological Services (RMPS) is dedicated to helping children and teens work through any issues they have towards becoming self-confident, successful young adults. We know that the earlier years of life can be challenging to navigate, which is why we are here to provide our patients with the assistance they need to succeed. Our expert psychologists understand the best methods for working with people of all ages, as our services are completely suited to your individual needs and requirements.

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MacKenzie Ebel

MacKenzie is a Psychometrist/Psychological Assistant at RMPS. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Princeton University, where she also played 4 years for the women’s ice hockey team. She recently completed her Masters in Counselling Psychology through City University of Seattle.MacKenzie has worked with children, youth, and their families in a number of settings, through coaching, as a behavioural aid, and counselling through her internship placement. She is excited to continue learning about assessment administration, neurofeedback, and play therapy practices at RMPS! Currently, she is part of the assessment and neurotherapy team, as she completes her final capstone assignment and intends to join our counselling team as a Registered Provisional Psychologist.

Tammy Thomson

Tammy is a graduate of the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) program at Yorkville University and is trained at the master’s level in art therapy as a professional art psychotherapist and member of the Canadian Art Therapy Association. She brings more than 20 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in child development settings, children’s hospitals, and schools as an early childhood educator and elementary teacher.She completed a Bachelor of Applied Science specializing in Child Development Studies at the University of Guelph, Ontario and holds a Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. Tammy is a member of the Canadian Counsellor and Psychotherapy Association and College of Alberta Psychologists while pursuing her next goal of registration as a provisional psychologist. Tammy values a client-centered approach using play therapy and the expressive arts to support those who may find it difficult to articulate their thoughts and feelings with words. Children and families do not need any skill or prior art experience and the art studio is a safe place where children can gain a sense of independence, greater emotional regulation, and confidence through self-exploration. Expressive interventions in art therapy can treat behavioural issues, anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, physical and developmental disabilities, and attachment difficulties. As a parent of three young children herself, Tammy understands the complexities of family life using compassion to help parents feel more confident in their role of raising a successful family.

Raquel Freitas

Raquel is an Office Administrator at RMPS. Back in Brazil, her home country, she graduated as a Psychologist and worked as a clinician for the past 5 years. Although she loved working with children and adults, she discovered a new passion: manage the administrative tasks that keep the business running. 

As someone who is passionate about learning new things and developing new skills, with the career transition also came the decision to live abroad and explore a new culture. To serve empathetically and connect with people is Raquel’s main personal and professional goal.

Emma Donnelly

Emma is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in her hometown at Brandon University, after which she moved to Calgary to earn her Master’s of Science in School and Applied Child Psychology at the University of Calgary.Emma has a passion for working with children and families and has experience doing so in a number of settings, including schools, homes, early intervention programs, and within the community. She specializes in assessment, including psychoeduational, social-emotional-behavioural, and autism assessment. Emma uses a client centred approach to counselling, supported by cognitive behavioural therapy, as well as play-based and attachment-based techniques. She believes in meeting clients where they are at and prides herself in working together with her clients to achieve their goals, improve their functioning, and enjoy their daily life.

Amanda Stoner

Amanda is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Amanda earned her doctoral degree in Psychology at Brock University in Ontario in 2017, with a specialization in developmental psychology. Amanda provides formal assessment services at RMPS. 

Since 2009, Amanda has received formal training and work experience in private practice settings in conducting psycho-educational assessments for students ranging from preschool through university. Amanda is skilled at test administration, interpretation of data, and report writing for various referral questions including ADHD, Learning Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Giftedness, and Intellectual Disabilities. Amanda enjoys working with people of all ages from diverse backgrounds, and she tries to make the testing environment feel relaxed and comfortable while maintaining integrity in testing protocol.

Denise Riewe

Denise has completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences through the University of Lethbridge and a Master of Counselling with Athabasca University. She is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists and a member of the Psychological Association of Alberta.Denise has over 9 years of experience supporting children, youth and their families in both residential and community-based practices. Denise is experienced in working with high and at-risk youth, supporting children and their families with strength-based approaches. She practices from a client-center approach supported by Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Theraplay, and other play and art-based modalities.

John Pynn

John is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. He completed his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. He brings more than 20 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in a variety of settings. He brings a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere to sessions.John uses an integrated counselling approach including client-centred, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focussed therapy (SFT) to find the best-fit for clients. He has experience with a variety of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, anger, self-
esteem, relationships, parenting, ADHD, grief/loss, addictions, and trauma. This broad experience comes from working in schools, social service agencies, group-care, and clinical settings. He also draws from the practical experience of being a parent to two teenagers as well as a husband. Supporting and empowering clients with mental health concerns is something John genuinely enjoys. John also provides counselling for adults and holds a Gottman level 1 certification for couples therapy.

Zara Crasto

Zara is a Psychometrist/Psychological Assistant at RMPS. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Calgary and her Graduate Diploma in Psychological Assessment at Concordia University of Edmonton. 

Zara has spent over five years working alongside children, adolescents, and their families in a variety of settings. These include public and private schools, in-home support, residential programs, early-intervention programs, and non-profit organizations. Currently, Zara is part of the assessment and neurotherapy team. As a lifelong learner, Zara plans to go back to graduate school and eventually become a psychologist one day.

Kellie Lanktree

Kellie is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. She completed a Bachelor of Child and Youth Care with the University of Victoria and a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology through the University of Lethbridge.Kellie has over 10 years experience supporting children and youth with developmental disorders/delays and their families. Kellie has experience working in schools, clinical settings, and within homes to provide support and therapeutic interventions. Through her time at RMPS, Kellie has also gained experience in helping individuals affected by trauma, grief/loss, separations, emotional dysregulation, depression, and anxiety. Kellie practices through developmental, attachment-based and trauma-informed lenses, and draws from a variety of play-based approaches such as Synergetic Play Therapy, Child-centered play therapy, DIR/Floortime, art-based mediums, and mindfulness-based practices. Kellie also provides Neurofeedback therapy, and is working on receiving her certification through BCIA. Kellie believes in meeting children and their families where they are at and that there is no “one size fits all” for therapy.